Community celebrates the Opening of the Dr Marta Kot Garden
The family, friends, colleagues and community of Dr Marta Kot all gathered today to honour her extraordinary life and legacy with the official opening of the Dr Marta Kot Garden. Situated in the Arboretum's Central Valley, Garden 11 has been planted with a bed of beautiful pink 'pigface' flowers (Carpobrotus glaucescens).
The ceremony began with a Welcome to Country by Uncle Warren Daley, followed by opening remarks from Stuart Jeffress, who welcomed guests and set the tone for a reflective and heartfelt occasion. Speakers throughout the ceremony painted a vivid and moving portrait of Marta.
Kathy Krantzcke spoke of Marta’s dedication as an intensivist at The Canberra Hospital, describing her as a clinician who advocated for her patients whilst bringing calm, compassion and exceptional skill to the most challenging circumstances. Kathy continued, explaining that beyond her work in the ICU, Marta had a deep love of nature. She collected leaves, feathers, and nuts on her walks, turning them into thoughtful gifts for friends and patients. Her home overflowed with plants she had propagated, each one reflecting her belief in growth, healing, and renewal. Her fondness for succulents, symbols of endurance and quiet strength, resonated deeply with her understanding of the delicate balance between fragility and resilience.
Valeria Toro Gonzalez paid tribute to Marta in English and then in Spanish, Marta's first language. Allison Ware played a gentle beautiful music tribute and then Valeria unveiled the commemorative plaque, a moment that captured both sorrow and gratitude. Amanda Ralph and her son Arthur watered the garden beds, symbolising the ongoing growth, life and renewal that Marta so deeply valued.
The National Arboretum held special significance for Marta, as a place of hope, comfort, and living beauty. It was here that she found joy, perspective, and inspiration during walks among its collections. The garden created in her honour stands within this landscape she loved. It reflects her belief in the healing power of nature and her advocacy for green, restorative hospital spaces where patients could benefit from sunlight, fresh air and art. It is a place where her spirit endures: in the rustle of leaves, in the resilience of the plants she loved, and in the peace she found so often in nature.